New Year Gift Guide for Men

 
The holiday season is not yet over as we are about to welcome another new year celebration. New Years make me feel somehow scared on what's about to come, but it also makes me hopeful for good things and thank all the best that the previous year has provided. Indeed, there were a lot of them. 

    During holiday season, I would always promise myself to not buy anything new, but somehow, I often break my personal promise. One reason is that I have the urge to buy each member of our family a present. Yep, including my grumpy long-haired hair-obsessed older brother. Lol It is all not for any reason but to let them know that I am thinking of them and that I love them. For sure, there are millions of ways to show one's affection, buying them material gift is just one. 

   While I definitely have to buy my family new things as holiday gifts, I make sure that it is something purposeful. I believe we have to practice sustainability in any way we can which includes buying holiday gifts. 

   Missed giving a your brother, your dad, or your beloved a present last Christmas? Don't fret. Time is limitless like love. Here, I'll be sharing some fashionable men clothing that you can send to your beloved for the upcoming new year's eve. Scroll down for more sustainable gift items aside from the very useful fashion pieces featured. P. S It is not true that men do not love to wear fashionable clothes, perhaps they just haven't given themselves enough time to experiment their outfit, so it's really a good point to give them wholesome clothes that will suite their style. 

henley shirt
Henley shirts are perfect holiday gifts because every man will look good in it. It's also a very versatile top one that they can use casually with shorts and jeans, or in a more formal set up paired with a smart blazer.

Harem Pants
Not all men considers harem pants on their wardrobe since because of some connotations about the pants one being that it fits only for women. However, with the right style and outfit ensemble, it's actually one of the stylish clothing pieces men can wear. Plus, they are so damn comfortable.

Fashion Jeans
For both men and women, fashion jeans is a must in one's wardrobe. I guess we can all agree that it's also one of the most versatile pieces you can wear knowing that there are countless ways to wear them. If you know someone who loves jeans, the holiday season is the perfect time to give him one granting that it's really needed.

Mens Satin Pajamas
Thought about this when a male friend shared his dilemma of not having a pajama for a pajama party. Lol We all know how comfortable pajamas are, not only of course for sleeping but also for parties. These days, there are also countless ways how to wear pjs for a casual effortless yet oh-so stylish look.

Beret Cap
Fashion isn't limited to tops and bottoms. Men would also look great in accessories such as proper caps. Beret cap is one of them and I actually find men wearing one sexy and smart looking! You may want to get your man one which is in classic design and color.

I hope this blog finds you well. Enjoy the rest of the holidays!

Love lots, 
Tin

Shoppee Haul + Giveaway (Closed)

     Happy holidays everyone! I hope that you are safe and sound as you read this blog. Let me take this as an opportunity to greet you. I always see the holiday season as the perfect moment to give thanks and appreciate the year which is about to end. As another year is about to unfold, I must say that it's also an apt time to look into the future with a hopeful and grateful heart. 

      The month of December is also my birth month. All hail Sagittarians! I can only think of a word to describe what I have felt being in existence for 26 years - grateful. For everything - for the pain, the happiness, and the lessons. I have so much to learn and love yet, so much about love and life to discover. 💖💞 Yes, I am singing and celebrating myself. I am blissful for my family and friends who made this month extra special, not only because of the pragmatic things that I have received and enjoyed but also because of love - above everything else. 

     I wanted to share some joy with you - my readers to thank you for your support. This blog has been almost like a constant friend to me. Even though I don't share many personal experiences this year, I see this as a sacred space where I can truly be myself. Besides, it has been quite some time since I have hosted a giveaway. hehe

    The items for the giveaway winner are all from Shoppee. If you aren't familiar with Shoppee, it's basically just like any other online shopping platform. I find it convenient to shop using the platform for some reason. (1) It's fast and easy to use, you just have to download its app, click on the items that you like and pay for your item/s which you can do via cash on delivery, (2) I find it safer than other shopping platforms, (3) it's easier to compare similar products with the same specs and prices. It's free shipping and timely sale are a big bonus. 

      Note that I am just sharing some of my favorite items that I bought from Shoppee because I find it relevant to share the platform if you are also most often busy as a bee as I am to go somewhere and shop physically. *This blog is not in any way affiliated with the platform. I bought all the items from my pocket including the ones that I'll be giving to the giveaway winner! If you're interested, with either the items or in joining the giveaway, keep scrolling. 😊

Let's start off with my favorites: 

I love this Instagrammable cup and saucer set which I got for only 8USD. It also comes with a spoon. I know that this is more of an aesthetic purpose, but it makes me feel so much better to enjoy a cup of coffee using a lovely cup. 

   I have scribed about my love for journaling and recently, I just added washi tapes to my art obsessions. I found so many cute washi tapes in Shoppee, particularly the ones with vintage appeal and some which bear the paintings of Van Gogh. Yes, I admire the works of Van Gogh which is why I have painted my own version of his infamous Sunflower painting on the December page of my journal.

    I also purchased a wooden hand decor because I just can't resist how artistic it looks on my desk and on my flat lay photos!

I also got a set of gel pens in different colors which only cost me a dollar! Such a score right? 

New watercolor brushes for my hobby. You can tell that I have used the other one already. I used it last night to paint a bookmark for a dear friend. 

     Some favorites from Maybelline except for the Lash Extension mascara which I just tried this week after watching Sofia Lionel's Youtube video brought by Vogue.

   Milan Kundera's novel which I am trying my best to finish asap. This is probably my best purchase from the platform since I couldn't find the book in bookstores within our city. 

   Last is this white bag just because I'm more drawn to white accessories. I actually bought two variations of this bag. One in white and one in pink. I gave away the other one (pink) as a Christmas gift. 

There are other favorites that I couldn't fit in this blog as I have used them or gave them away already for the holidays. How about you, do you prefer shopping online or shopping personally?

Anyways, here are the things that you will enjoy if you win the giveaway: 

(Note that the giveaway is open to Philippine residents ONLY.)

I wanted something that you can actually use and something that would spark creativity. Therefore, I made sure there is something where you can sketch or write your ideas. Hence, the sketchbook and a notebook. Something cute and pretty spark joy so two mini matte lipsticks from Maybelline are included and a minimalist face earring which I really love. I have my own pair and I'd like to give a similar one to my lucky reader. Last is a piece of my beloved city - Cebu. It's a simple turtle keychain which I really love. 

If you love to win the holiday gift items on the photo above, simply follow the easy instructions on this Rafflecopter.  The giveaway will start tomorrow and will end on January 31st, 2020. Winners will be contacted via email provided on the Comment Section, so make sure you attached it with your comment. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rampa PH Now in Ayala Malls Central Bloc

  In general, shopping is no longer a taxing job for most of us. With just a click, we can already enjoy what we want without leaving our homes. While online shopping is really convenient, noting beats personal shopping. That's mainly because you get to see the product first hand. For instance, if you are looking for specific clothing, you get to feel its fabric and check the product's durability. Not to mention its quality and its fit towards your body size.

   Such is what I and my good friend Jireh believe in common. Jireh, whom I call Jin, is now an owner of a fashion brand called Rampa PH. From its humble beginnings of providing convenient shopping experience through various platforms, Rampa finally has its own physical store which is located at the recently-opened Ayala Malls Central Bloc.

      I visited Jin's jam-packed store on its grand opening day where we had a chit-chat about her brand - how it came to be, what motivates her to expand, and her future goals as a young and modern entrepreneur. 

    Before diving into Rampa, I feel that I have to tell you something briefly about Jireh. Jireh and I know each other for quite some time. We've been friends since the 5th grade where we also first met. I remember that her family moved somewhere in the Visayas before settling down in Cebu. Jin and I remained friends in high school and expanded our circle of friends since we also go to the same high school. During college, we seldom meet because we no longer attend the same university. However, we didn't lose contact since most of our high school classmates still gather together. Reunions - as we call it though they weren't that formal. If there's something I know about Jin is that she's one of the most generous person I know even when we were still kids. I remember she would often buy something for the class to share. 

       Fast forward, I'm thankful and happy that my good friend is now thriving and doing well in life. Aside from being a full-time entrepreneur, Jireh is also a full-time mom and a wife. Isn't she a superwoman?

Where It All Started

Rampa is a noun which directly translates to English as a catwalk or a leisurely walk. The brand started five years ago and has been slowly expanding ever since. It all started with Jireh's love for fashion. She is a huge fashionista at heart who loves experimenting with her looks and expressing herself through her #ootds. 

As such, she also loves browsing through different shopping platforms where she buys trendy items of clothing. Jireh later found a shop that directly supplies fashion accessories and perfumes - other things her heart craves for. An idea came into her mind that it would be a good thing if she could also share her love for trendy yet affordable clothing to other women. From accessories and perfumes, Jireh started selling women's clothes. 

She does everything through online selling with the help of social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram. Various fashion bazaars invited her for pop up stores and eventually this month, Rampa opened its first physical store in one of the major malls in the city. 

Styles & Sources

Jireh personally handpicks and shops for all the items that come out of her shop. She regularly travels to Manila to meet with her direct suppliers which are often coming from Thailand - one of the biggest mass producers of fashion items of clothing in the SouthEastAsia to date. The most important things when shopping for clothes according to Jin is the following: the cloth used, the stitches, and the style. 

Security & Risks

Just like any thriving business, Rampa has its own share of security issues and risks. There were stealing incidents that took place and some items that were damaged. Gracefully, the brand was able to overcome it all and has solid plans on how to prevent future incidents, especially in their newly-opened physical store. 

#Goals

Like any other entrepreneur, Jireh seeks to expand her brand and possibly open more physical stores in the near future!

Current Favorites

Just as I am expecting, Jireh's favorite colors and outfit ensemble this season are peaches or any pastel color combinations.  Her style often changes with her mood and with what's vogue in the fashion world. 

Rampa does not only offer clothes - but it also has various accessories ranging from earrings, necklaces, and sunglasses. 

Rampa also sells trendy tops and shorts for men. There are so many playful prints and colors to love in the men's section.

Proud that my friend also sells eco-friendly products on her shops such as metal and bamboo straws!

Unlike other fashion stores, Rampa has its own chic fitting room!

 Various makeup items are also up for grabs at Rampa. I love their castor which I am religiously using as of the moment. Fingers crossed - I am going to write a review about it soon!

 Pearl hair clips and oversized earrings are so "in" these days, right? I love the heart-shaped ones from Rampa!

 I am more than proud of what Jireh has achieved. If you are still racking your brains on what to give to your manito or manita this Christmas season, Rampa is the best place to go for affordable and trendy fashion finds.

Find out more about Rampa PH here. Images by yours truly. Rampa PH's first physical store is located at 2nd floor Trading Bloc, Ayala Malls Central Bloc, IT Park, Cebu City, Philippines.

A Taste of Taiwan in Cebu: Tien Ma's Taiwanese Cuisine

    Taiwanese cuisine might be relatively new for some Filipinos, but it will surely capture the nation's heart and appetite with its unique flavors. For those who haven't been to the quirky streets of Taiwan, you no longer have to book a flight to taste the country’s delectable delights.

     From light bites to full meals, you’ll find affordable and traditional Taiwanese foods at Tien Ma's. Whether you come for a quick fresh hand-crafted noodle or a newly-steamed Xiao Long Bao, there’s a good chance that Tien Ma's has what you’re looking for. 

About Tien Ma

Tien Liyuan (Tien Ma) was born in 1932 in Fang-shan township, P'ing-tung county, Taiwan. She spent her childhood in coastal southern Taiwan helping her mother cook and prepare meals for her younger siblings for their lunch boxes to school. She moved to Zhongshan District in Taipei as a young adult and perfected her Xiao Long Bao recipe while working in the kitchen at a local high school. She then opened her own stalls selling her legendary Xiao Long Bao in the night markets of Taipei. She has then retired and has passed on her secret recipe to bring the best and most authentic Xiao Long Bao to us in Manila.

Tien Ma's hearty and oh-so-good Xiao Long Bao

Utilizing authentic Taiwanese secret recipes developed by extensive research and development, Tien Ma's has delighted local Filipinos with its legendary Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), Beef Noodle Soup, Three Cup Chicken, Steamed Lapu Lapu in Soy Sauce, seafood and other delectable, affordable Taiwanese dishes. 

 Tien Ma's flavorful with a kick of spice Laksa

One of Tien Ma's dish made of their handcrafted noodles

Inside the restaurant, you can witness Tien Ma's talented chefs pouring their hearts out in creating their special noodles

Aside from its delicious Xiao Long Bao, Tren Ma's also prides itself on serving freshly handmade noodles. The store also serves a great variety with some tasty Laksa and Chicken Wings with BBO Sauce also available on the menu. With its great-tasting food and affordable prices, Tien Ma's has continued to grow with a strong following of regular customers, which has paved its way for continuous expansion.

Another must-try item from Tien Ma's extensive menu is the infamous Fried Spare Ribs and Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken!

 Tien Ma's Spare Ribs

 Tien Ma's Popcorn Chicken

Anyone would love to finish off everything with a room for Tien Ma's Mang Tu Bread which goes so well when dipped in condensed milk then paired with tea or coffee!

Tien Ma is a perfect place for dining out with your family members or group of friends for it has a clean, spacious, and photo-friendly area.

Mr. Eric Ng Mendoza and family - congratulations!

With 9 branches nationwide, Tien Ma's has been bringing the taste of authentic Taiwanese cuisine to the palette of the Filipinos. This branch is the 10th branch nationwide and it is the first branch in Cebu and the Visayas region.

The Cebu store is a franchise of Cebuano businessman, Eric Mendoza. The Figaro group of companies composed of brands such as Figaro Coffee, Angel's Pizza and Tien Ma's Taiwanese cuisine.

Tien Ma's Taiwanese Cuisine is located at Meerea High Street, an arcade that is continuously transforming Cebu's dining and entertainment experience by bringing fresh and exciting

brands to the table.

KIZUNA AESTHETIC CENTER by DR. SELECT BRINGS BEAUTY TECHNOLOGY FROM JAPAN TO CEBU

Kizuna Aesthetics Center finally opens its doors to Cebuanos!

With so many skincare and beauty clinics popping everywhere, it is getting harder for people to find one they can actually trust in terms of quality and authenticity.

It is this kind of guarantee that Kizuna Aesthetic Center By Dr. Select is bringing to Cebuanos as they open their first ever clinic at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

Kizuna Aesthetic Center By Dr. Select is offering new and advance Japanese technology in its machines and services and that’s what sets them apart from all the other beauty clinics.

KIZUNA AESTHETIC CENTER came to fruition soon after the promising meeting of Dr. Kentaro Ono, a plastic surgeon in Fujieda Japan and Dr. Hope Valerie Solano, a certified dermatologist and Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society. Establishing Kizuna Aesthetic Center brought the shipment at the most advanced and innovative facial, non-invasive contouring and hair removal equipment.

Together with the latest machinery. the trending Dr. Selet Beauty Products were also imported here in Cebu to ensure the gold standard that Kizuna Aesthetic Center was conceived to be. Dr. Hope Valerie Solano will be the dermatologist presiding over Kizuna Aesthetic Center while Moe Fujimoto, a certified Aesthetician from Japan will be assisting facial trends and machines.

MEDIAQUA BEAUTY MACHINE ​

The total skincare machine assembles four functions in one: Water peeling, Carbon acid introduction – massage, RF (radio frequency), and Electroporation. There are four major special purposes this machine offers: Hydrodermabrasion, Exfugenation, Face contour, and Rejuvenation.

WATER PEELING The Hydrodermabrasion skin treatments combine non-invasive exfoliation with the infusion of skin-specific topical solutions to improve and revitalize the skin. An advanced form of microdermabrasion, is unique because it does not use crystals. This safe and painless treatment is one of our most popular non-laser treatments. Like microdermabrasion.

Dermal infusion treatments are non-invasive mechanical exfoliation treatments without harmful chemicals that remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the treated area. They differ from traditional microdermabrasion treatments in that they use patented technology to perform the treatment with a system that gently exfoliates with different treatment tips while infusing topical solutions at the same time.

Dr. Solano shows how the machine works as well as its functions

CARBON ACID INTRODUCTION

Exfugenation is the main effect of this function. It's a 3-in-1 treatment that exfoliates, infuses nutrients such as hyaluronic acid, and oxygenates the skin to increase blood flow to the area and absorb nutrients. Effects of the machine: 1. Exfoliation of the outer layer of the skin. 2. Infusion of essential revitalizing nutrients. 3. Oxygenation of the skin generated from within.

This exclusive combination improves skin tone, evens texture and nourishes the complexion - giving you a balanced, healthy glow.

RF (RADIO FREQUENCY)

​It promotes the body waste to run by friction, activates skin environment, and makes your skin firm and elastic by protecting the production of collagen and elastin through vibrating the body water and fat cells. It uses radiofrequency energy to heat the skin with the purpose of reducing the appearance of fine lines and loose skin.

ELECTROPORATION​

This is the technique that increases the permeability of the skin, allowing facial serum or essence to be fully introduced for effective absorption. Different topical vitamins or a combination of topicals can be used for each patient so the treatment can be customized to treat hyperpigmentation, acne, photodamage, and dehydration.

MEDILINE BEAUTY MACHINE by DR Select

A combined machine with 5 functions in one machine from the body to the face. Its functions as microcurrent, cavitation, Vacuum, RF, and diode.

It can dissolve fat, helps take out cellulite, contouring of unwanted bulges and drains out the lysed fat through the lymphatics. Aside from the slimming effect, it also tightens loose skin and produces collagen and elastin.

MEDISKIN DIODE HAIR REMOVAL by DR SELECT is also their newest hair laser removal of unwanted hair.

Dr. Select also has a series of products from Japan prescribed by most Japanese Aesthetic clinics and has gone worldwide including USA, Russia, Australia, China, Hongkong, Vietnam, and Thailand. Now in the Philippines!!! The Placenta series comes in different forms from drinks to serum and creams.

Placenta Extract that comes in drinks and jelly is combined with raw placenta and 71 types of aged and fermented vegetables , fruits , cereals, mushrooms , seaweed extracted to plant enzymes. The plant enzymes enhances beauty and prevents aging by increasing the amount of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, regaining the flexibility and elasticity of the skin.

Dr. Select Placenta Cream is the most popular that’s used in all in one purpose as an anti-aging moisturizer and for pigmentation.

Their newest aging care line is the HUMA-Stem cells. It’s a human-adipose derived stem cell that gives you an instant improvement after 7 hours of skincare. It boosts your layers of the skin, smoothens lines and moisturizes the skin.

Dr. Hope Solano conducting a face analysis to one of the clinic's media partners

SKIN ANALYSIS MACHINE our latest technology has a computerized assessment of your face from minute pores, pigmentation, wrinkles, moisture, elasticity and tone and gives you a report on the status of your skin.

Dr. Hope Valerie Solano is the certified Dermatologist and our leading Japanese Certified Aesthetician, MOE FUJIMOTO will assist the needs of their clients the best treatment needed. She will also be ready for consultations for diseases of the skin, hair, and nails; she specializes in BOTOX and Hyaluronic Fillers, Dark pigmentation treatments, Scar treatments Acne treatments, and anti-aging enhancements.

Kizuna is equipped with 2 registered nurses trained by their Japanese sister company with their expertise for IV infusion: Glutathione, Placenta and Vitamin C.

MEDIAQUA BEAUTY MACHINE ​

The total skincare machine assembles four functions in one: Water peeling, Carbon acid introduction – massage, RF (radio frequency), and Electroporation.

💙🇯🇵Grab their Grand Opening 30% off of all services until December 31, 2019. Message or call Kizuna at 2538358/ 09778393738,

💙🇯🇵Kizuna Aesthetic Center is located at Basement 2, Robinsons Galleria Cebu